Riverside County offices may reopen on Fridays

Most county offices -- including the County Administrative Center in downtown Riverside -- began closing one day a week in summer 2009 as officials sought to save money wherever and however they could. The closure was part of a strategy to generate savings through worker furloughs and reduced utility costs.

County spokesman Ray Smith said the strategy has saved more than $1 million.

But Supervisor Jeff Stone of Temecula said this week that, with the economy and county finances beginning to turn around, it's time to consider a return to the five-day week.